Control of the Heart Rate Although the fundamental beat of the heart originates within the heart itself,

the heart rate can be influenced by the nervous system and by other factors in the internal
environment. Recall from chapter 7 that stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system increases the
heart rate and the stimulation from the parasympathetic nervous system decreases the heartrate. These
influences allow the heart to meet changing need rapidly. The heart rate is also affected by such factors
as hormones, ions, and drugs in the blood. Heart Rates 1. Bradycardia is a relatively slow heart rate of
less than 60 beats/minute. During rest and sleep, the heart may beat less than 60 beats/minute but
usually does not fall below 50 beats/minute. 2. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate over 100
beats/minute. 3. Sinus arrhythmia is a regular variation in heart rate due to changes in the rate and
depth of breathing. It is normal phenomenon. 4. Premature beats, also called extrasystoles are beats
that come in before the the expected normal beats. They may occur in normal persons initiated by
caffeine, nicotine, or psycologic stresses. They are also common in persons with heart disease. Human
Anatomy and Physiolog